Chapter 564

“Move! Hurry up! Once the sun rises, the Bariel forces will attack! We must protect Agiar!”

“This way! Black-armored reinforcements from Luswena are arriving! Quickly, take them!”

“Gather all the armor worn and move it inside the walls! If the Third Gate falls, we’ll mobilize the civilians! Prepare supplies for them and form ranks!”

“Here, take this! This is your last meal before the final battle!”

“Just a little more, please?”

“No, no! Next!”

Inside the Agiar walls, the scene was just as chaotic as in the Bariel camp.

The soldiers leading the defense had changed into the black armor provided by Luswena, gripping their weapons tightly as they waited atop the walls.

They were all born and raised in Agiar. Even though Burgos was half-ruined, their resolve to protect their homeland to the very end was unshakable.

“Ian Hielo, the Minister of Magic, will lead the vanguard.”

Thud.

Rutherford placed a small stone on the map and spoke.

In the Burgos command room, gathered around Rutherford were Luswena’s mages, northern tribal chiefs, and—

“Can you take charge from Toolun?”

A reinforcer from Toolun took a seat.

The Luswena mages and northern chiefs glanced at him. All they knew was the name ‘Bagban.’ His purpose and abilities were a mystery.

‘Judging by his build and attire, he doesn’t seem to be a warrior.’

While everyone silently speculated, Bagban chuckled and shook his head slightly. His eyes were narrow and slanted, and his prominent front teeth twitched oddly whenever he smiled.

“Isn’t it best for mages to face mages? I’ll take the wall. The entire Bariel army, including Emperor Jin, will be focused there, so it’s easier for me to move. Luswena mages, what do you think?”

“Well, it doesn’t matter. It’s easier for mages to fight mages. We don’t want to get caught up in unnecessary chaos.”

“But I heard Bariel has a separate resource for magic amplification. Does Luswena have that too? Didn’t you lose once in the Clipford-Burgos war? I imagine the king must be worried. Heh heh.”

His words mixed concern with a hint of contempt.

The Luswena mage representative’s face stiffened as he replied.

“That was then, this is now. The entire mage corps has been replaced, and we have experts handling amplification.”

“Replaced? More like completely wiped out, right?”

“I don’t know what you’re trying to do here.”

“Bagban.”

Tensions were already high before battle, and Bagban’s attitude was quite insolent. Rutherford intervened, urging restraint, and Bagban bowed with a sly smile.

“Then the Bariel magic division will coordinate with Luswena and the northern tribes. Bagban will take the wall, but if the location of Emperor Jin Verosion is discovered, Bagban will handle it.”

“Agreed. Let it be so.”

“Understood. We’ll target the emperor but respond appropriately depending on the situation. By the way—”

Bagban seemed to agree but then asked lightly,

“Who claims the emperor’s body?”

“That will be decided based on the situation. Don’t jump to conclusions.”

“Of course, I just wondered if anyone’s entertaining any wild ideas.”

“Those wild ideas are probably coming from your side.”

“Some northern tribes have necromancers mixed in, so you never know.”

Thud.

Rutherford placed another stone on the table, warning them to stop the idle talk.

“We’re not just defending Agiar. We will cut down the enemy and push forward into Bariel. That’s why we’ve gathered. Don’t forget—the enemy isn’t inside here. They’re out there.”

If they couldn’t defeat Bariel, they would die.

Or perhaps those who die might be better off. The true burden would fall on the survivors.

After two consecutive defeats—the Clipford-Burgos war and now—Luswena was surely on the path to ruin. The Burgos anti-king faction would be annihilated, and the entire country absorbed by Bariel.

And that wasn’t all.

The northern tribes, except Astana, would pay a heavy price for standing against Bariel.

“What about the golems?”

“They don’t have nuclear weapons, so indiscriminate bombardment is inefficient. The easiest and cleanest way is to kill the Astanians.”

“Bagban.”

“Yes, yes. Understood. Same goes—once the location is found.”

That location. What exactly did he plan to do with it? The mages were puzzled but kept quiet, put off by his unpleasant attitude.

Bagban grinned and added,

“Don’t worry and fight well. I have many subordinates. The most reliable one is in Bariel, but I can still protect you all. This is what our king desires, so I will do my best to help.”

“Bariel?”

The mages instinctively asked.

Buuuu—

Buu—

The sound of water buffalo horns echoed loudly from all directions, signaling dawn. The time had come. The Bariel camp would be reacting the same way.

“Well then, good luck.”

“Good luck.”

With a nod from Rutherford, everyone left the command room.

At the same time, one of his subordinates hurried over and whispered something.

“…Who is it?”

“Would you like to meet? It’s dawn, after all.”

“It’s not like it’ll take a day or two to meet. Bring them in. Could be an unexpected, welcome connection. I’ll gladly receive them.”

“Yes, Lord Rutherford.”

Swish!

Rutherford roughly pulled back the curtain. The dark room instantly brightened, revealing the soldiers moving in perfect formation.

And in the distance—

A blond boy stood with the rising sun behind him.

His grip tightened on the curtain without realizing it. Why did the gods remain silent in such a desperate moment? The path ahead was long and treacherous, and he had to trample over that boy.

Rutherford turned his head at the sound behind him.

“Lord Rutherford.”

“Ah, yes.”

He greeted the visitor with a bright smile, genuinely pleased. Though the visitor was still prostrated on the floor, his face was barely visible.

*    *    *

“The sun has fully risen.”

At someone’s murmur, Ian looked toward the wall. The Burgos flag still flew proudly. He gestured to the mages and was the first to soar into the sky.

Ziiing! Ziiing!

Ta-at!

The mages followed, shedding their robes as they took flight behind Ian. The sunlight illuminated the entire Agiar battlefield.

Among them were two recorders tied firmly to dragon backs, clutching fluttering papers without a moment to feel dizzy, diligently recording everything.

“Higher, a bit more, up, up!”

“Do they understand what we’re saying?”

-Kyuuuu!

“Eek!”

A sudden sharp rise in altitude made the recorders stagger. Mages zipped past them, followed by the opening salvo signaling the start of battle.

“Let’s go, everyone!”

“Protect Ian!”

Swoosh!

Ian surged toward the wall like a wave breaking through water, nerves taut against any unknown attack.

As the distance closed enough to see each other clearly, Burgos archers unleashed their arrows.

“Fire!”

Thwack!

The arrow tips gleamed amber. They were coated with Idgal, just like in the Clipford-Burgos war—a primary means to stop mages slicing through the battlefield.

“Incoming Idgal arrows!”

“Brace yourselves!”

A ripple of unease passed but quickly settled as Ian raised a hand lightly.

A massive Idgal barrier formed before the mages.

Tat-tat-tat!

Crack! Flash!

The arrows struck the barrier and shattered weakly. Meanwhile, Ian’s own barrier was broken apart by the Idgal arrows, scattering to the ground.

Akorella, spitting with frustration, flew ahead, followed by Hale and the mages wearing expressions of boredom.

“You crazy fools! Do you know how precious this is?”

“Captain, we get it. Please slow down a bit. Don’t get ahead of Ian, okay?”

“Ian! Drop them all down below! Crush those brats!”

Ian twisted his body, gripping his right wrist with his left hand. Flames began to surge wildly in his palm.

‘Barrier or not, I’ll burn it all to ashes.’

His gaze fixed on the fluttering Burgos flag—

Swoosh!

Ziiing! Ziiing!

Luswena mages waiting along the wall launched themselves simultaneously.

They created protective shields against Ian’s attack, and his flames were blocked by an invisible sphere, unable to reach the wall, fading away.

The heat flowed gently in curves as the mages shouted,

“We are Luswena mages!”

“Ian, be careful!”

Ziiing.

Ian pressed gently on the protective barrier with his fingertips. It was solid and deep, its texture unyielding and straight. By any standard, it was impressive—but still—

Crack!

Snap!

The part of the barrier where Ian’s Idgal touched began to fracture and break apart. It was only a matter of time. No matter how much magical power one poured in, how could a mage possibly overcome the inherent strength of Idgal itself?

Whoooosh—

Whooo—

“Advance!”

“Bring down the barrier!”

Tweller, watching the scene unfold, gave the order to charge.

Following his outstretched sword, Bariel’s soldiers let out a thunderous battle cry and surged against the wall. Stones tumbled from above, arrows rained down, but no matter how many fell, the relentless tide of soldiers couldn’t be stopped.

“Bring the ladders forward!”

“Waaaaah!”

“Keep running! Keep pushing forward!”

“Golems!”

Boom! Boom!

The Astanians focused their minds and moved the golems. Made of massive boulders, these creatures needed nothing more than a single fist to wreak havoc.

“Break through the gate!”

—Roar!

Just as the golem raised its huge fist to strike the castle door—

It stopped, hovering just inches away. The Astanians frowned in confusion, then noticed one of their comrades clutching his chest.

“Hey, you okay?”

“Ugh… something’s wrong…”

Crimson blood welled up between his fingers.

No one could understand it. There had been no warning, no sign—just this sudden injury. After a brief moment of panic, everyone snapped back to attention at Hasha’s command.

“Continue the attack!”

“Your Highness!”

“I’ll find the cause!”

Was this the mysterious strike that had wounded Sir Ian’s cheek yesterday? Under Hasha’s orders, the Astanians refocused and moved the golems again.

Kuuung!

The golem’s left hand smashed down beside the gate, and soldiers began climbing the wall. Jarrett and the Imperial Guard kept a close watch on the Astanians’ condition, tightening their defenses.

“There’s a suspicious attack underway. Everyone, stay alert and investigate—but above all, protect His Majesty.”

“Yes, understood!”

Crackle!

Meanwhile, high above in the sky, Ian—locked in battle against the Luswena mages’ protective shields—was unaware of the shifting tide below. Just as he was about to push harder, sensing the barrier would soon break, Hale shouted.

“Ian!”

Swoosh!

A massive bird hurtled toward Ian from afar. Hale unleashed his magic to block it, and soon its true nature became clear.

“Ugh… what is that?”

“Captain Akorella, please, have some dignity.”

“Is it one of the northern tribes?”

Half-human, half-beast. A northern minority with wings sprouting from their shoulders. They wielded swords in both hands and kept lunging at Ian relentlessly.

The mages raised their shields to protect Ian, but—

“Damn.”

“Watch out! Idgal shards are scattering!”

“Ah! Yes, understood!”

Before the half-beast warriors’ blades could even touch him, Ian’s Idgal shattered them first. The threat wasn’t limited to the Luswena mages—it was dangerous even to their own side.

The mages swatted away the scattering Idgal fragments and shouted warnings, while Ian rolled up his sleeves.

‘Idgal should be used to neutralize Luswena mages up close,’ he thought.

It was fine. No problem.

There were plenty of ways to handle this.

“Stop being such a nuisance—”

Ziiing!

His eyes flashed as he charged toward the cracked Luswena mages’ barrier.

“Hand over Rutherford!”

Flash!

Kraaaash!

A massive explosion tore through the sky.

Bariel’s soldiers faltered for a moment, but quickly pressed on without hesitation.

Jin gripped his sword tightly, his eyes anxiously fixed on the sky above.